A Week in Winter

Several characters go through dynamic personal transformations through the novel as they overcome fear, self-doubt, and various forms of trauma to emerge stronger after their stay. In Chicky’s and Freda’s cases, this transformation comes as a result of their involvement in a heady, toxic romantic relationship (not coincidentally, it’s their parallel perspectives that open and close the novel). Chicky goes from a thoughtful and introverted young Irish girl to a free-spirited bohemian living in New York. However, this exploratory phase quickly leads to a more authentic evolutionary period in which Chicky begins working for Mrs. Cassidy’s boarding house and learns new skills and a new way of life. When she returns to Stoneybridge, Chicky presents herself as someone completely transformed by her experiences—and as a success story to motivate others, like Orla. For Freda, this transformation comes as a result of denying her visions and, later, ultimately accepting them.

Orla and Corry, or John, are another pair who help each other achieve (or at least aspire to) the personal transformation each one needs. In Orla’s case, this process involves overcoming a resistance to opening her heart and to being vulnerable to the needs of others.